Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Now that we’ve all dumped ice water on our heads and the ALS Association has raised over $116 million dollars, it’s time to talk about why the Ice Bucket Challenge really worked. Michael Hoffman at See3 invited Joe Waters of SelfishGiving and me to a live Google Hangout conversation about the Ice Bucket Challenge. Here’s the video: What do you think? What are your lasting take-aways? MORE
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart. Every single one of your supporters wants to have a meaningful life and wants to be remembered fondly after their lifetime. Many of these same supporters will contemplate the creation of or revision to an estate plan. MORE
Since then, our Program Director and I have added a Word-of-the-Month to our board agendas. . Sometimes it’s a word; sometimes it’s a phrase. They are given the assignment to bring up the word when with their friends, encouraging them to (gasp!) The real goal is to give them a word or phrase that will spur the conversation and give them the opportunity to hear the responses…kinda like reconnaissance in a way. MORE
The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. Here’s why: No one uses this word with their family and friends so you shouldn’t use it with your donors… they won’t “get it” It reminds people about death and nothing scares people away from making planned giving decisions faster than thoughts about death. Stop using it. MORE
Should it be this word or that word ? I still hear that some people are reluctant to use the words “nonprofit marketing” to describe what they do, instead preferring the word “nonprofit communications.” Have you used Google Trends to settle an argument about word choices? The post How to Choose Between Two Words appeared first on Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog. MORE
If crafted right, these eight words (or less) will complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. Magical, memorable and likely to be repeated, in just a few words! You have a priceless, DOABLE opportunity to position your organization, programs, services, campaigns, and events in audiences’ hearts, minds, schedules, and wallets: Relevant messages ! Your tagline is the heart of your message platform. MORE
The same applies for online fundraising campaigns, but nonprofits are less confident in their respective abilities to spread the word for those campaigns. When talking about getting the word out about online fundraising campaigns, it seems a bit counterintuitive to include a discussion of donor retention, but it should not. The post 3 Ideas for Getting the Word Out to Your Donors About Online Fundraising Campaigns appeared first on JCSM. Guest post by Gretchen Barry. MORE
In preparation for the onslaught of company at my house this week, I’ve cleaned off my dining room table. It serves as a catch-all for the mail and other junk we bring in. In the stack of mail is a newsletter from my horse vet. He’s about 80-something years old and still makes farm calls. MORE
He says he titling it: Never Use a Word You Can’t Spell. Here he teases us with the chapter on words. Anybody who needs to deal with the written word would benefit from a read, but you’ll especially enjoy it if your fundraising role involves preparing or approving copy. Copywriting pro Denny Hatch is writing a book on, well, writing. Should be a gem. MORE
I see a few friends who are setting their intentions for the year by choosing 3 words from Seth Godin’s new guide “ What Matters Now.&# I thought I’d do the same. Instead of choosing 3 words for me, I thought I’d choose 3 things I want for you. Think about what this year might hold if you grabbed these 3 words and took them to heart. Will you take on these 3 words for your year? MORE
” The post Planting Seeds for a Brighter Nonprofit Future – In Your Words appeared first on marketing for the modern nonprofit. In my email last week, I asked nonprofits to share at least one seed that they are planting right now that they think will benefit the organization in the long-term. The responses were wonderful, and I want to share them with you. Fundraisers are SO generous with their expertise and their time. I have decided to keep the responses anonymous. MORE
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart. Every single one of your supporters wants to have a meaningful life and wants to be remembered fondly after their lifetime. Many of these same supporters will contemplate the creation of or revision to an estate plan. MORE
Here are some of the most important takeaways from our Speed Consulting for Nonprofit Websites webinars, featuring Mark Rovner and Alia McKee SeaChange Strategies along with our own Katya Andresen. Don’t leave your common sense at the door ? ?. Don’t make them have to think (the most important rule!). Interaction with your organization's website should be easy and fulfilling. Visitors don't want to have to stop their search to figure out where to go. MORE
Can you condense your New Year’s Resolutions down to just three words? Why Three Words? Even though I have been a long-time fan of Chris Brogan, and I am an avid reader of Rob Hatch’s email musings, I have never created my own three words for a year. The three words approach is simple, yet complex – pick three words that will act as your compass for an entire year. Word #1: Simplify. This leads me directly to my second word. MORE
Asking partners, friends and fans to spread the word may be the most effective, yet least expensive, marketing method there is. The Method: Make it easy for partners and bloggers in the nonprofit arena, plus YouTube influencers, to spread the word. Saved me time and effort in spreading the word by providing this digital press kit with a press release, graphics, videos and cut-and-paste social posts (with trackable URLs). More Guidance: Get Your Network to Spread the Word. MORE
Last week we shared 6 Words Nonprofit Should Avoid in 2010 [link] which lit a fire under our fellow language purists' behinds to contribute their own irksome, shudder-inspiring, jargon-filled terms and punctuation usages to include on the banned list. " - Jude "My two least favorite words that should be banned forever? Apparently, they don't want to read the words " pilot program " in our proposals. Here are two: Humbug on the word synergy. MORE
Or one, two, or three theme words for your upcoming year? For 2021, a single word felt right and it came to me quickly. And that word, as the family lore goes, was also my first word as a baby, so it fits. I do have a second word presented to me via my church. MORE
Here are some of the most powerful words used frequently in advertising: finally. Here are some of the most powerful words used for persuasion: you. thank you (two words…). Want to see which words work for planned gift marketing? The post Can changing your words help you raise more money? suddenly. announcing. introducing. improved. amazing. sensational. remarkable. fantastic. revolutionary. startling. miracle. magic. offer. quick. wanted. challenge. MORE
Recently, Lake Superior State University published its 35th annual List of Banished Words for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. It included terms from 2009 such as friend (as a verb—thanks, Facebook); Tweet (good luck not using that one, nonprofiteers); and chillaxin’ (which I’m pretty sure isn’t a word to begin with, but yes, it’s tremendously annoying and disturbingly ubiquitous). And by the way, impactful isn’t a real word. MORE
The PR News blog has compiled a list of 10 words that repel reporters on sight. Even more interesting, the post drew 74 comments (at last count) with additional words that reporters love to hate. Note to self: Be sure not to include any of these words in this newsletter. The post Words That Mean Instant Doom for Press Releases appeared first on Nonprofit Marketing 360. Among them: fastest-growing, incredible, powerful, leading, and utilize. MORE
The only famous last words that matter are your call to action. Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan aced it in his closing statement to last week’s debate: “The choice is clear, and the choice rests with you. And we ask you for your vote. Thank you.” ” As for Biden, he thanked the audience for their attention. Tell people what you’d like them to do. You’ll have a much better chance of getting it. Branding and Messages MORE
Most of the time you read advice about words that are good to use in fundraising … like ‘you’ But here’s a fascinating article on seven words to avoid on your website conversion pages. Spam (such an evil word, it hurts results even to say you won’t do it!). We (a word referencing the messenger not the recipient, thus distracting. MORE
Thanks to Fast Company for highlighting this fantastic example of effective graphic communication. Take a look here to digest the entire poster , then move quickly to hide your bottle of water under your desk. More seriously, this is graphic communication at its finest. I learned (and retain) more about the detriment that bottled water production contributes to our world (and our health, in some cases) in five minutes here than I ever would have in digesting a few paragraphs of text. MORE
Twice now I’ve written about cause marketing campaigns that can be summed up in six-words. Both times I heard back from readers inspired to pen their own cause marketing summation in six-words. Bean, the Maine retailer and catalog company, is using a six-word statement as a tagline for its cause marketing effort called 'Million Moment Mission.' The six-word line is; “You Share. Andie Grace I frequently advise my clients sum up their cause marketing in six words. MORE
We’ll analyze this more in the coming weeks, but here’s what the word clouds look like. We asked a new question in our annual Nonprofit Communications Trends Survey this year about your most and least favorite projects. (We We are closing the survey Wednesday night — take it here to get the full results before everyone else in January.). Most Favorite Project of the Year. Least Favorite Project of the Year. What do you see in these results? MORE
Do you see your organization in these words? What’s your organization’s personality in three words (either now, or what you aspire to)? When I ask staff at nonprofits to describe their organization’s public personality, I often get blank stares, or something like “Ummm. we don’t have one, so I guess, well, how about ‘boring?’&#. ’&#. MORE
Last week one of my blog posts told you make sure to stay away from the word “bequest” in your communications with donors. But I failed to tell you what word or words to use instead. The post What Words to Use Instead of the Infamous “B-word” (Bequest) appeared first on MarketSmart. So here are your alternatives: Make a gift to [name of charity] in your will. Leave a gift to [name of charity] in your will. MORE
I’ve been having some fun with word clouds and the one at the left is from this very blog. Like many such things, this word cloud hides as much as elucidates. It’s plain, for instance, that the word cloud generator only grabs posts from the top-most page of the blog. causemarketing.biz word cloudQuick post today from the left coast. Still, it has its own beauty. Cause-Related Marketing does a world of good. MORE
I love words. I’ve made most of my career out of educating and persuading people through words. And yes, with an occasional photo or graphic to back me up. But now there’s video … but not just video … online video. YouTube just announced that its year-over-year growth in daily visitors is up 40%. And the strongest driver of that growth is viewing via mobile devices, which was up more than 80% for the same period. MORE
“Look,” I said, “Curse words are like lightning bolts. The post 3 reasons why I use curse words (but only one that matters) appeared first on MarketSmart, LLC |. She told me others would say I was unprofessional. I was asked to lead a roundtable discussion at a conference recently. So I did. And afterward one of the attendees approached me as I got a cup of coffee in the sponsorship expo room. MORE
A donor tour is possibly one of the most exciting parts of fundraising. Tours give you the opportunity to show off your organization and talk to your donors face to face. They provide you the chance to share all your organization’s wonderful stories and provide a context for the work that you do. MORE
“Consider” is a very powerful word for fundraising. So, I suggest you consider using the word “ consider ” more often. The post Consider using the word “consider” more often appeared first on MarketSmart |. Consider this. “Would you consider a gift in the amount of $25,000 to help fund this project?” MORE
But I see so few orgs that ask supporters to spread the word on vital asks, and even fewer who make it easy (and far more likely) for them to do so. This “spreading the word” strategy has been top of mind lately for, as it’s core to the program launch we’re marketing for a huge and complex New England human services org. Film Festival which I’ve previously spread the word on— and current goal (to boost submissions by COB today ). MORE
Volunteers who answered phones were instructed to use one of five words when thanking callers: caring, compassionate, helpful, friendly and kind. Indiana University professor Jen Shang conducted a test with public radio station WFIU during the station’s annual pledge drive. Communications Community Fundraising Nonprofit Public Media Research Study communication donors research MORE
But the English language is tricky, with many words sounding alike. Nancy Schwartz. You labor long and hard to get your marketing content right. We all do. That’s why it’s so dismaying when I see errors like these in campaigns and updates from organizations like yours. It’s not from want of trying! Errors like these three most-frequently-seen ones are easy to make. MORE
It’s the end of the year. Dollars have been raised. Dollars have been spent. Objectives have been established. Objectives (hopefully) have been met. Now, it’s time to shot it from the mountaintops! Or, more likely, get it down on paper and into an electronic or printed format that looks just awesome. After all, it’s the Annual Report for crying out loud! We give a lot weight to this tool, and sometimes, perhaps too much weight. MORE
Last year I worked with Dr. Russell James to present his findings in the ground-breaking webinar titled Words that Work (get the quick-read eBook here ). In it, he presented evidence that many of the words we use in the sector are actually off-putting to our supporters. For instance, some of the worst words for planned gift marketing are: Bequest; Charitable Gift Annuity; and Remainder Interest Deed. And, if you want to see the sequel, Words that Work 2 , go here. MORE
This month I had terrific conversations with three movers and shakers in the nonprofit marketing world – and you can read the results. The interviews were posted in the Nonprofit Marketing 360 blog. This month’s offerings are: Howard Adam Levy – principal of Red Rooster Group, a nonprofit branding agency in New York City. Notable quote: “Social media is a step toward engaging younger people and bringing them into the nonprofits’ world.” MORE
It’s a great example of the power of words. A friend shared this very powerful video with me and I wanted to share it with you. . “Vision Is Seeing the Invisible.&# — Jonathan Swift. Thanks! Sandy. Inspiration Just For Fun Marketing Personal/Professional Development Strategic Uncategorized MORE
I made several updates to word choices and language — the book is 10 years old and our language has certainly evolved! I removed the use of this word when describing situations and people (mostly situations) and replaced it with better adjectives on a case by case basis. MORE
Last January's " Words for Nonprofits to Avoid in 2010 " turned out to be Big Duck's most popular blog post of 2010. It warms the cockles of my heart to know that you all value words so much. As I look again at last year's list, I'm also pleased to see that I stand by my advice with regard to the words system, infrastructure, capacity, impact , and catalyst. I'm not a totalitarian when it comes to words. Use the words you want to use. MORE
One important ingredient is your tagline — those vital eight words or less that complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. Every single nonprofit org—across size, budget, location and cause—shares a priceless opportunity to position its organizations, programs, fundraising campaigns and special events. And yes, that means your organization. MORE
Try one of these tried-and-true words and phrases to get the open, click and completion! Sending a petition, pledge or other advocacy call to action to your email list? I’ve combed thousands of emails from top advocacy organizations to get these phrases that work…so you don’t have to! And if you’re interested in learning more about digital advocacy, check out my live, subscriber-only Beginner’s Guide to Digital Advocacy webinar on Wednesday, March 30, 1 pm ET. Get Your Pass Now! MORE
My team recently created a word search for our new interns. It includes a bunch of different words and phrases used in the sector and here at MarketSmart. Word List. WORDS OF WISDOM. WORDS THAT WORK. Here’s some great podcast episodes to listen to as you fill out the word search: >>Engagement Fundraising: Season 1, Episode 18 – Creating the Disney Experience. >>Engagement The post Have some fun with MarketSmart’s word search! MORE
Words Related Topics Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JANUARY 5, 2021
Or one, two, or three theme words for your upcoming year? For 2021, a single word felt right and it came to me quickly. And that word, as the family lore goes, was also my first word as a baby, so it fits. I do have a second word presented to me via my church.
iMarketSmart
FEBRUARY 2, 2018
My team recently created a word search for our new interns. It includes a bunch of different words and phrases used in the sector and here at MarketSmart. Word List. WORDS OF WISDOM. WORDS THAT WORK. Here’s some great podcast episodes to listen to as you fill out the word search: >>Engagement Fundraising: Season 1, Episode 18 – Creating the Disney Experience. >>Engagement The post Have some fun with MarketSmart’s word search!
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Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
I made several updates to word choices and language — the book is 10 years old and our language has certainly evolved! I removed the use of this word when describing situations and people (mostly situations) and replaced it with better adjectives on a case by case basis.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Should it be this word or that word ? I still hear that some people are reluctant to use the words “nonprofit marketing” to describe what they do, instead preferring the word “nonprofit communications.” Have you used Google Trends to settle an argument about word choices? The post How to Choose Between Two Words appeared first on Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog.
Getting Attention
MAY 16, 2013
But I see so few orgs that ask supporters to spread the word on vital asks, and even fewer who make it easy (and far more likely) for them to do so. This “spreading the word” strategy has been top of mind lately for, as it’s core to the program launch we’re marketing for a huge and complex New England human services org. Film Festival which I’ve previously spread the word on— and current goal (to boost submissions by COB today ).
iMarketSmart
JULY 15, 2016
Last year I worked with Dr. Russell James to present his findings in the ground-breaking webinar titled Words that Work (get the quick-read eBook here ). In it, he presented evidence that many of the words we use in the sector are actually off-putting to our supporters. For instance, some of the worst words for planned gift marketing are: Bequest; Charitable Gift Annuity; and Remainder Interest Deed. And, if you want to see the sequel, Words that Work 2 , go here.
J Campbell Social Marketing
FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Can you condense your New Year’s Resolutions down to just three words? Why Three Words? Even though I have been a long-time fan of Chris Brogan, and I am an avid reader of Rob Hatch’s email musings, I have never created my own three words for a year. The three words approach is simple, yet complex – pick three words that will act as your compass for an entire year. Word #1: Simplify. This leads me directly to my second word.
iMarketSmart
JUNE 7, 2016
Here are some of the most powerful words used frequently in advertising: finally. Here are some of the most powerful words used for persuasion: you. thank you (two words…). Want to see which words work for planned gift marketing? The post Can changing your words help you raise more money? suddenly. announcing. introducing. improved. amazing. sensational. remarkable. fantastic. revolutionary. startling. miracle. magic. offer. quick. wanted. challenge.
Getting Attention
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
If crafted right, these eight words (or less) will complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. Magical, memorable and likely to be repeated, in just a few words! You have a priceless, DOABLE opportunity to position your organization, programs, services, campaigns, and events in audiences’ hearts, minds, schedules, and wallets: Relevant messages ! Your tagline is the heart of your message platform.
Cause Related Marketing
APRIL 25, 2012
I’ve been having some fun with word clouds and the one at the left is from this very blog. Like many such things, this word cloud hides as much as elucidates. It’s plain, for instance, that the word cloud generator only grabs posts from the top-most page of the blog. causemarketing.biz word cloudQuick post today from the left coast. Still, it has its own beauty. Cause-Related Marketing does a world of good.
Get Fully Funded
APRIL 11, 2011
It’s a great example of the power of words. A friend shared this very powerful video with me and I wanted to share it with you. . “Vision Is Seeing the Invisible.&# — Jonathan Swift. Thanks! Sandy. Inspiration Just For Fun Marketing Personal/Professional Development Strategic Uncategorized
iMarketSmart
OCTOBER 30, 2015
“Consider” is a very powerful word for fundraising. So, I suggest you consider using the word “ consider ” more often. The post Consider using the word “consider” more often appeared first on MarketSmart |. Consider this. “Would you consider a gift in the amount of $25,000 to help fund this project?”
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JANUARY 21, 2020
Since then, our Program Director and I have added a Word-of-the-Month to our board agendas. . Sometimes it’s a word; sometimes it’s a phrase. They are given the assignment to bring up the word when with their friends, encouraging them to (gasp!) The real goal is to give them a word or phrase that will spur the conversation and give them the opportunity to hear the responses…kinda like reconnaissance in a way.
iMarketSmart
APRIL 17, 2015
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart. Every single one of your supporters wants to have a meaningful life and wants to be remembered fondly after their lifetime. Many of these same supporters will contemplate the creation of or revision to an estate plan.
Cause Related Marketing
JUNE 27, 2012
Twice now I’ve written about cause marketing campaigns that can be summed up in six-words. Both times I heard back from readers inspired to pen their own cause marketing summation in six-words. Bean, the Maine retailer and catalog company, is using a six-word statement as a tagline for its cause marketing effort called 'Million Moment Mission.' The six-word line is; “You Share. Andie Grace I frequently advise my clients sum up their cause marketing in six words.
iMarketSmart
FEBRUARY 9, 2015
Last week one of my blog posts told you make sure to stay away from the word “bequest” in your communications with donors. But I failed to tell you what word or words to use instead. The post What Words to Use Instead of the Infamous “B-word” (Bequest) appeared first on MarketSmart. So here are your alternatives: Make a gift to [name of charity] in your will. Leave a gift to [name of charity] in your will.
Getting Attention
OCTOBER 16, 2012
The only famous last words that matter are your call to action. Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan aced it in his closing statement to last week’s debate: “The choice is clear, and the choice rests with you. And we ask you for your vote. Thank you.” ” As for Biden, he thanked the audience for their attention. Tell people what you’d like them to do. You’ll have a much better chance of getting it. Branding and Messages
A Small Change
JULY 8, 2015
It’s the end of the year. Dollars have been raised. Dollars have been spent. Objectives have been established. Objectives (hopefully) have been met. Now, it’s time to shot it from the mountaintops! Or, more likely, get it down on paper and into an electronic or printed format that looks just awesome. After all, it’s the Annual Report for crying out loud! We give a lot weight to this tool, and sometimes, perhaps too much weight.
iMarketSmart
JUNE 6, 2018
“Look,” I said, “Curse words are like lightning bolts. The post 3 reasons why I use curse words (but only one that matters) appeared first on MarketSmart, LLC |. She told me others would say I was unprofessional. I was asked to lead a roundtable discussion at a conference recently. So I did. And afterward one of the attendees approached me as I got a cup of coffee in the sponsorship expo room.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
DECEMBER 3, 2019
We’ll analyze this more in the coming weeks, but here’s what the word clouds look like. We asked a new question in our annual Nonprofit Communications Trends Survey this year about your most and least favorite projects. (We We are closing the survey Wednesday night — take it here to get the full results before everyone else in January.). Most Favorite Project of the Year. Least Favorite Project of the Year. What do you see in these results?
A Small Change
MARCH 25, 2014
A donor tour is possibly one of the most exciting parts of fundraising. Tours give you the opportunity to show off your organization and talk to your donors face to face. They provide you the chance to share all your organization’s wonderful stories and provide a context for the work that you do.
iMarketSmart
APRIL 17, 2015
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart. Every single one of your supporters wants to have a meaningful life and wants to be remembered fondly after their lifetime. Many of these same supporters will contemplate the creation of or revision to an estate plan.
The Agitator
NOVEMBER 10, 2016
Most of the time you read advice about words that are good to use in fundraising … like ‘you’ But here’s a fascinating article on seven words to avoid on your website conversion pages. Spam (such an evil word, it hurts results even to say you won’t do it!). We (a word referencing the messenger not the recipient, thus distracting.
Fundraising 123
JANUARY 20, 2012
Here are some of the most important takeaways from our Speed Consulting for Nonprofit Websites webinars, featuring Mark Rovner and Alia McKee SeaChange Strategies along with our own Katya Andresen. Don’t leave your common sense at the door ? ?. Don’t make them have to think (the most important rule!). Interaction with your organization's website should be easy and fulfilling. Visitors don't want to have to stop their search to figure out where to go.
Fundraising 123
JANUARY 19, 2011
Last January's " Words for Nonprofits to Avoid in 2010 " turned out to be Big Duck's most popular blog post of 2010. It warms the cockles of my heart to know that you all value words so much. As I look again at last year's list, I'm also pleased to see that I stand by my advice with regard to the words system, infrastructure, capacity, impact , and catalyst. I'm not a totalitarian when it comes to words. Use the words you want to use.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Now that we’ve all dumped ice water on our heads and the ALS Association has raised over $116 million dollars, it’s time to talk about why the Ice Bucket Challenge really worked. Michael Hoffman at See3 invited Joe Waters of SelfishGiving and me to a live Google Hangout conversation about the Ice Bucket Challenge. Here’s the video: What do you think? What are your lasting take-aways?
Non Profit Marketing 360
DECEMBER 24, 2011
This month I had terrific conversations with three movers and shakers in the nonprofit marketing world – and you can read the results. The interviews were posted in the Nonprofit Marketing 360 blog. This month’s offerings are: Howard Adam Levy – principal of Red Rooster Group, a nonprofit branding agency in New York City. Notable quote: “Social media is a step toward engaging younger people and bringing them into the nonprofits’ world.”
Get Fully Funded
JANUARY 4, 2010
I see a few friends who are setting their intentions for the year by choosing 3 words from Seth Godin’s new guide “ What Matters Now.&# I thought I’d do the same. Instead of choosing 3 words for me, I thought I’d choose 3 things I want for you. Think about what this year might hold if you grabbed these 3 words and took them to heart. Will you take on these 3 words for your year?
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MAY 6, 2011
Do you see your organization in these words? What’s your organization’s personality in three words (either now, or what you aspire to)? When I ask staff at nonprofits to describe their organization’s public personality, I often get blank stares, or something like “Ummm. we don’t have one, so I guess, well, how about ‘boring?’&#. ’&#.
Fundraising 123
FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Recently, Lake Superior State University published its 35th annual List of Banished Words for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. It included terms from 2009 such as friend (as a verb—thanks, Facebook); Tweet (good luck not using that one, nonprofiteers); and chillaxin’ (which I’m pretty sure isn’t a word to begin with, but yes, it’s tremendously annoying and disturbingly ubiquitous). And by the way, impactful isn’t a real word.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JULY 23, 2015
One important ingredient is your tagline — those vital eight words or less that complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. Every single nonprofit org—across size, budget, location and cause—shares a priceless opportunity to position its organizations, programs, fundraising campaigns and special events. And yes, that means your organization.
Non Profit Marketing 360
JUNE 3, 2012
Volunteers who answered phones were instructed to use one of five words when thanking callers: caring, compassionate, helpful, friendly and kind. Indiana University professor Jen Shang conducted a test with public radio station WFIU during the station’s annual pledge drive. Communications Community Fundraising Nonprofit Public Media Research Study communication donors research
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JUNE 25, 2015
But the English language is tricky, with many words sounding alike. Nancy Schwartz. You labor long and hard to get your marketing content right. We all do. That’s why it’s so dismaying when I see errors like these in campaigns and updates from organizations like yours. It’s not from want of trying! Errors like these three most-frequently-seen ones are easy to make.
Getting Attention
FEBRUARY 10, 2015
Asking partners, friends and fans to spread the word may be the most effective, yet least expensive, marketing method there is. The Method: Make it easy for partners and bloggers in the nonprofit arena, plus YouTube influencers, to spread the word. Saved me time and effort in spreading the word by providing this digital press kit with a press release, graphics, videos and cut-and-paste social posts (with trackable URLs). More Guidance: Get Your Network to Spread the Word.
The Agitator
APRIL 30, 2015
I love words. I’ve made most of my career out of educating and persuading people through words. And yes, with an occasional photo or graphic to back me up. But now there’s video … but not just video … online video. YouTube just announced that its year-over-year growth in daily visitors is up 40%. And the strongest driver of that growth is viewing via mobile devices, which was up more than 80% for the same period.
Get Fully Funded
NOVEMBER 24, 2009
In preparation for the onslaught of company at my house this week, I’ve cleaned off my dining room table. It serves as a catch-all for the mail and other junk we bring in. In the stack of mail is a newsletter from my horse vet. He’s about 80-something years old and still makes farm calls.
Getting Attention
DECEMBER 21, 2009
Thanks to Fast Company for highlighting this fantastic example of effective graphic communication. Take a look here to digest the entire poster , then move quickly to hide your bottle of water under your desk. More seriously, this is graphic communication at its finest. I learned (and retain) more about the detriment that bottled water production contributes to our world (and our health, in some cases) in five minutes here than I ever would have in digesting a few paragraphs of text.
iMarketSmart
MARCH 27, 2017
The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. Here’s why: No one uses this word with their family and friends so you shouldn’t use it with your donors… they won’t “get it” It reminds people about death and nothing scares people away from making planned giving decisions faster than thoughts about death. Stop using it.
Non Profit Marketing 360
JANUARY 11, 2013
The PR News blog has compiled a list of 10 words that repel reporters on sight. Even more interesting, the post drew 74 comments (at last count) with additional words that reporters love to hate. Note to self: Be sure not to include any of these words in this newsletter. The post Words That Mean Instant Doom for Press Releases appeared first on Nonprofit Marketing 360. Among them: fastest-growing, incredible, powerful, leading, and utilize.
Fundraising 123
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
Last week we shared 6 Words Nonprofit Should Avoid in 2010 [link] which lit a fire under our fellow language purists' behinds to contribute their own irksome, shudder-inspiring, jargon-filled terms and punctuation usages to include on the banned list. " - Jude "My two least favorite words that should be banned forever? Apparently, they don't want to read the words " pilot program " in our proposals. Here are two: Humbug on the word synergy.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MARCH 10, 2016
Try one of these tried-and-true words and phrases to get the open, click and completion! Sending a petition, pledge or other advocacy call to action to your email list? I’ve combed thousands of emails from top advocacy organizations to get these phrases that work…so you don’t have to! And if you’re interested in learning more about digital advocacy, check out my live, subscriber-only Beginner’s Guide to Digital Advocacy webinar on Wednesday, March 30, 1 pm ET. Get Your Pass Now!
J Campbell Social Marketing
SEPTEMBER 17, 2015
The same applies for online fundraising campaigns, but nonprofits are less confident in their respective abilities to spread the word for those campaigns. When talking about getting the word out about online fundraising campaigns, it seems a bit counterintuitive to include a discussion of donor retention, but it should not. The post 3 Ideas for Getting the Word Out to Your Donors About Online Fundraising Campaigns appeared first on JCSM. Guest post by Gretchen Barry.
The Agitator
FEBRUARY 5, 2013
He says he titling it: Never Use a Word You Can’t Spell. Here he teases us with the chapter on words. Anybody who needs to deal with the written word would benefit from a read, but you’ll especially enjoy it if your fundraising role involves preparing or approving copy. Copywriting pro Denny Hatch is writing a book on, well, writing. Should be a gem.
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